“Congregation Beth Hillel” flashes on the sign. It stands as a beacon of faith and community in Montreal. Congregation Beth Hillel is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Judaism. Its story is one of resilience, adaptation and a deep commitment to tradition.
Congregation Beth Hillel on Coolbrook Avenue is among Montreal’s many synagogues. Each one contributes its own unique flavor to the city’s Jewish community.
The story of Beth Hillel traces back to 1935. It began as the Walden Jewish Community Center. Harry Levine took the lead as its first president. The community hired a cantor for High Holy Day services in 1937. He arrived with a borrowed Torah scroll. Mr. and Mrs. Tick provided refreshments for 65 people.
A Torah scroll from Nazi Germany was acquired through Mr. Leis. Mr. Tick provided lumber for a portable Ark. Mrs. Molly Robinson made the curtains. The first Friday service in 1939 followed Orthodox tradition. Arnold Dunkelman had the first Bar Mitzvah in 1940. The Ark was portable because meetings took place in homes, farms, and businesses. In January 1943 alterations finished on a house owned by Mr. Louis Leis.
The Pine Street property was purchased with help from the Leis family, Mrs. Lustig, Mr. Joseph Wagner, Mr. Meyer Jacobowitz, Dr. Fredrick Falkson, Mr. Harry Zerler, Mr. Jacob Dunkelman and Mr. Herman Rudolf. The Center was dedicated on May 23 1943. A rabbi from Newburgh officiated. The synagogue was named Beth Hillel. A second Torah scroll came from the Nepolkoutzer Society, NYC. Joseph Wagner and Max Nussbaum arranged this.
Talmud Torah began in 1924. Mrs. Sarah Leis insisted on religious instruction. She engaged a Hebrew teacher. Children from twelve Jewish families attended. They met in a small room in the Walker Building. A New York underwear manufacturer provided it. Sometimes classes were in private homes. The Wagner and Dunkelman Families transported children to Newburgh for classes in 1937. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf, Mr. Solomon Zelmon, and Miriam Leis also taught.
Rabbi Passow served as the first rabbi in 1945. He commuted from NYC on weekends and one day a week. Rabbi Herman served for the next two years. Many original children were now old enough to teach.
In 1994 the Board of Directors reopened the Hebrew School. Nava Herzog was selected to teach. In 2001, an educational wing was added. It accommodated 25 – 30 students. It was dedicated to Mr. Samuel Liebman. He was a long-term president and supporter.
Congregation Beth Hillel’s name honors Rabbi Hillel. He was a scholar of the Great Synagogue. The Route 52 Cemetery belongs to the WJCC. It operates under separate by-laws. It is funded separately.
Today Congregation Beth Hillel continues to be a vibrant center. It offers spiritual guidance. It provides educational programs. It hosts community events. It stands as a living embodiment of Jewish values in Montreal.